Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Final Day of Thanks

Last, but certainly not least, I am so extremely thankful for the gift of adoption. There are estimated to be 150 million orphans around the globe. To give you an idea of how many that is,

If every orphan (approximately 143 million) held hands & you drove past each 1 at 60 mph nonstop (1,700 each mile) It'd take 2 months to reach the end.

I cannot even begin to fathom that. Can you imagine your sweet child not having a home, an identity, a family? What happens to these kids if they don't get adopted? Where do they go? What do they end up doing? How do they survive without support and encouragement? Will they ever know that they are precious in His sight?

Our adoption will not save the world, but it will give 1 of these orphans a family. It will let one of these children feel love. It will make one little family complete. It will give us one more child to encourage and to raise in a home where he will learn to follow Christ.

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

When we started this adoption process it seemed impossible. We didn't have the funds, the paperwork seemed completely draining, we didn't have the biggest support system and we knew this would be the most emotionally draining obstacle we have yet to face. 3 months in and the funds have appeared as we have needed them, the paperwork is almost complete and we are #15 on the waiting list for an infant boy in Ethiopia. We still have a long road to travel, $20,000 to come up with and I'm sure a lot of stress. When we make that second trip to Ethiopia and pick up sweet Silas from his orphanage, we will look back on these days and thank God for providing everything we needed along the way to bring our precious boy home.

The Momma

Part-time hairstylist, full-time momma. Should get paid for being pregnant because it's pretty much all I do. Never seen without blush (it just makes you look fresher). Is a bit obsessed with fashion on a budget. Cannot function until my 2nd cup of coffee. Has had every disease known to man (in my head at least). Talks about working out, but just can't bring myself to do it.

The Rockstar

Thinks black and gray are her signature colors. Claims to be a vegetarian. Is a very talented drummer. Loves showers. Is definitely "the boss" to her younger siblings.

The Jokester

Is our little fashionista. Has a smoker's laugh. Eats her boogers and thinks they are delicious. Is freakishly flexible. Shopping with The Momma is her love language. Hip Hop is her hobby of the month.

The Hubby

Graphic/Web Designer. Looks like Chandler Bing. Will never be seen in anything but his Converse, Levis and a t-shirt. Would go into a deep, dark depression if he had to use any form of electronics not made by Apple. Takes longer to get ready than I do. Quit drinking Dr. Pepper, lost 15 pounds and I'm still a little bitter about it.

The Bruiser

Acts like a grumpy old man. Pees outside as often as possible. Really loves annoying The Ethiopian. Needs several baths a day. Calls the Momma his darwing.

The Chunkiness

Has more rolls than Mrs. Baird and Sister Schubert combined. Is rarely seen without his bunkie/pappy. Has unhealthy amount of babying going on. Has broken pretty much everything in our house with his freakish strength.

The Ethiopian

Came home April 2014. Might be the loudest kid on the planet. Has the most contagious joy. Says Momma about 1,395 times a day. Finally has a forever family.